Cruise Overview
22-day expedition cruise from Valparaíso to the Chilean fjords and the frozen beauty of Antarctica
Explore beautiful fjords along the Chilean coast in wild Patagonia, continuing down to the untouched icescapes of Antarctica in its late spring.
Visit fascinating UNESCO sites and remote communities, sail round the legendary Cape Horn and navigate the Drake Passage.
Spend seven days exploring Antarctica on landings, hikes and ice-cruising, observing wildlife and nature up close with your Expedition Team.
An Antarctic expedition
We’ll set sail down the coast of Chile to explore the unique world of Antarctica. Every day our route will be guided by nature, and we’ll make the best of local conditions. Each sunrise will offer something different and thrilling. In October and November on the Seventh Continent, penguins start courting and nesting. Fall in love with this frozen yet uniquely beautiful world as you go on landings and expedition boat adventures.
Patagonian paradise of natural and man-made wonders
Your expedition cruise takes in designated World Heritage Sites and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These include colourful Valparaíso, the ornate churches of Chiloé at Castro, and the spectacular landscapes, glaciers and lakes of Torres del Paine National Park. Having sailed down the awe-inspiring coast of Patagonia, we’ll attempt a landing at Cape Horn as part of our adventure
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Practical information you need to know
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Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem
Day 1
Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem
Discover Valparaíso, the 'Jewel of the Pacific'
Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise begins in colourful Valparaíso. Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific' it’s built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean and you'll love discovering this friendly UNESCO-listed city.
Filled with enticing scents and sounds, it’s an exhilarating maze of alleyways and barrios, colourful houses and mercados packed with local produce – take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.
If you'd like to explore more, why not join one of our optional Pre-Programmes.
Preparing for adventure
Day 2-3
Preparing for adventure
Get into expedition mode
Over the next two days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter during our trip.
Members of the Expedition Team will be experts in anything from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Drop in on their fascinating lectures, as well as hands-on presentations in the Science Center.
Grab a pair of binoculars and scan for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities and enjoy the hot tubs, sauna and gym.
Castro's Chilotan charm
Day 4
Castro's Chilotan charm
See stilt houses and historic churches
Set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city. It’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón.
From various vantage points you can get great views of the city’s colourful palafitos, which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront. For some culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
Bring your binoculars as Chiloé is an important habitat for bird species such as Green-backed Firecrowns and Chilean Flamingos, along with penguins, Black-necked Swans, Ringed Kingfishers and Silvery Grebes.
The waters of Patagonia
Day 5-6
The waters of Patagonia
Unforgettable Andean seascapes
We cruise south towards Puerto Natales, the capital of Última Esperanza. The waters of Patagonia are captivating, with mesmerising shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.
As we sail, there's a good chance you’ll see whales, seabirds, penguins and more. Take in the scenery from the sauna or on-deck hot tubs, enjoy locally sourced cuisine, or relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
The Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on local history and wildlife, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on landscape photography.
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Day 7-8
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Gateway to Torres del Paine
We’ll sail into Puerto Natales through the White Narrows. Head out on deck to witness some of the most beautiful landscapes on the continent as your Captain skilfully navigates the ship through these famed channels.
You can choose to see the Torres del Paine National Park on either a bus or hiking tour – both incredible experiences well worth doing.
The rugged landscape has steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos and rheas roam freely. Look out for Chilean Flamingos and you may even spot the mighty Andean Condor.
Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and travellers, with many eateries, bars and outdoor shops. You can set out on your own to visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike; enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery; or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.
We’ll depart Puerto Natales in the morning as the tides and currents allow, sailing through the White Narrows again.
Exploring Chile's fjords
Day 9
Exploring Chile's fjords
Witness scenic landscapes filled with wildlife
Your journey south along the Chilean coast takes you through the ruggedly beautiful, broken island chains of the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife.
While cruising though these soul-stirring fjords, look out for colonies of Magellanic Penguins, elephant seals and various species of whale. You may also see majestic waterfalls along this dramatic and beautiful section of coast.
Rounding Cape Horn
Day 10-11
Rounding Cape Horn
Attempted landing at Cape Horn
After sailing through the Beagle Channel, we’ll pass the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. This formidable icon often has challenging conditions, but if weather allows, we'll attempt to land there.
From here, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage towards Antarctica. En route, you'll find out what lies ahead and how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible.
In the Science Center, the Expedition Team will give lectures about the frozen continent’s fauna, history, geology, and glaciology. You’ll also find out which Citizen Science projects you can participate in while exploring Antarctica’s icy realm.
Antarctica: another world
Day 12-18
Antarctica: another world
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins court while Adélie Penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge.
Over the coming days here you’ll explore several of more than 20 possible landing sites, on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling.
We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays, where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs, or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint.
Bird enthusiasts should look skywards for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you'll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future.
Relax and unwind at sea
Day 19-21
Relax and unwind at sea
The most remote and starkly beautiful place on Earth
After several days expedition cruising in Antarctica, it’s time to head back. Your mind will be full of lasting sights and sounds – and your camera’s memory cards loaded with impressive images as well.
During your last few days at sea, you can recap your experiences with your Expedition Team and fellow guests, satisfy your curiosity in the Science Center, relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or enjoy the delicious onboard cuisine as the waves roll by.
You can also unwind from all the excitement by making the most of the sauna and hot tubs before we arrive in Punta Arenas.
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Day 22
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Onwards from Punta Arenas
Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you'll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.
If you're not ready to end your adventures just yet, why not extend your trip and join our optional Post-Programmes.
What's included
Transfer
- Transfer from the ship to the Punta Arenas airport after the expedition cruise
flights
- Flight in economy class from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile
Expedition Cruise
- A stay in a cabin of your choice
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Wine, beer and spirits available at meals and throughout the day and evening (subject to licensing laws, excludes premium drinks)
- All day coffee, tea and soft drinks
- Fine dining in restaurant Lindstrøm included for suite guests
- A complimentary water bottle to refill on board and take home
- A polar expedition jacket, a backpack, or another piece of HX kit
- Professional photos from your trip taken by our onboard photographer
- Complimentary Wi-Fi. Please note, streaming is not supported
- Use of sauna, hot tubs, fitness room, lounges and more
- Gratuities included. Fantastic service is standard at HX – though if you’d like to leave something extra, it’s always appreciated
- Range of included activities
Onboard Activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full access to the ship’s Science Centre
- Citizen Science Programme allows guests to assist with ongoing scientific research
- Professional onboard photographer gives tips and tricks for the best landscape and wildlife photos
- Informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings
Landing Activities
- Escorted landing with small expedition boats
- Loan of boots, trekking poles and all equipment for activities
- Expedition photographers on hand to assist you
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements
- Depending on your flight times, an additional overnight might be needed (not included)
- Mandatory Medical Screening Form to be completed by all passengers for Expeditions to Antarctica. See the help center for more information.
What's not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Luggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Included Programmes
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages